Sowing and Reaping

Judges 9

– The story of Abimelech, is an ‘epilogue’ to the Gideon narrative which shows the terrible consequences of sin in our lives, and underscores the truth that we always reap what we sow, whether for good or for evil (Galatians 6:7-8)

– In our study today we will examine three people/groups of people who reap the terrible consequences of sin and rebellion against God

I. Gideon’s Reaping (vv. 1-6)

1)  For his Polygamous relationships

• Abimelech is the son of Gideon’s Canaanite mistress (concubine)
• Because Abimelech was born out of wedlock, he had no legal rights of inheritance – a second class citizen & son!
• Abimelech hated his father, but yet was inspired by him in many ways

2)  For his Aspirations to Power

• Gideon took the crown in a devious, underhanded way
• Abimelech takes the crown openly

3)  For his Personal Vengeance

• Gideon violently murdered his fellow Israelites in an act of vengeance
• Abimelech violently murders his own brothers

4)  For his Idolatry

• Gideon led the Israelites into idolatry by making a golden ephod
• Abimelech funds his campaign of terror from idol worship

Application:   The sins of one generation often trickle down to the next generation.  Be careful what you model for your children and grandchildren.

II. Shechemites’ Reaping (vv. 7-49)

1)  Jothan’s ‘Fable of the Trees’

• An indictment of Abimelech – the ‘bramble king’
• An indictment of the Shechemites
• A prophetic word of judgment –  v. 20

2)  God’s Judgment

• An evil spirit sent from God (v. 23) – God is sovereign over all of creation and He can even use Satan to accomplish His righteous purposes, without Himself being the author of sin.
• Most of the Shechemites die in battle
• The remainder are burned to death by Abimelech in fulfillment of Jotham’s prophecy in v. 20

III. Abimelech’s Reaping (vv. 50-57)

1)  Gaal attempts to usurp Abimelech’s power using the same strategy as Abimelech!

2)  Abimelech is killed with a ‘stone’, just as he killed his brothers on a ‘stone’

3)        Abimelech dies a humiliating death by the standards of his culture in a scene that reminds of us the story of Jael (cf. Judges 4)

Application:  God’s ‘silence’ and patience should not be mistaken for His inactivity or indifference.   All sin and injustice in this world will eventually be brought to account.